Hi Friends!  I found some before photographs of this home which was published in Segreto Style and thought it would be fun to revisit!!   When the homeowners found this gorgeous house, originally built in 1937, they loved its close proximity to school and activities for their three children. But to accommodate their family of five, the home needed some updates and changes. They enlisted the help of seasoned designer Sarah Brooks Eilers of Lucas/Eilers Design Associates, architect Marshall Porterfield and builder Jim Bob Taylor with Doyle Construction to transform this abode into a calm, serene living space that counterbalances their hectic lifestyle. Going back and forth on whether to tear down or remodel, the design team and homeowners eventually settled on the latter, crafting this remarkable, timeless home with the authenticity of the past and the modern conveniences of today. I think the extensive remodel over the course of 18 months truly paid off!

The warm, neutral tones give such a welcoming feel as you enter the home!  Instantly inviting, this space was furnished with a pair of chairs from Adams Furniture , a wonderful console of antique iron railing and reclaimed limestone from Chateau Domingue and great antique iron leaf fragments turned into lamps that Sarah found at The Gray Door – fantastic!

Here is the living room before!

With over 30 years of design experience, Sarah believes that it’s best to always start with the rug. This new Sultanbad from Matt Camron Rugs sets the tone for the room.  The wonderful Fortuny pillows atop the Kravet sofa bring a little hint of something special to the living area and add an elegant pop of color! Sarah incorporated some of the homeowners’ existing furniture while creating a new look – the antique chairs from Joyce Horn Antiques had been purchased for their previous home and the secretary was inherited from their parents. The homeowner was in college when Sarah first met her while working with her parents, so it’s no wonder that she’s able to really understand and translate this homeowner’s personal tastes and style!

The bar is such a successful blend of textures, with grass cloth wallpaper, handmade terra cotta tiles from Country Floors of America LLC , countertops from the Cosmos Collection and glazed cabinets by Segreto!

The before and after’s of the kitchen really show with proper planning how you can really re-create a space!!

The homeowners wanted their kitchen to be a warm and casual environment to enjoy with their young children. The kitchen was created by combining several smaller spaces while still maintaining the integrity of the 1930s house. The remodel transformed it into an open interior with a large archway connecting it to the den. Sarah enhanced the light and airy feel with a 50% formula of BM HC-83 Grant Beige on the walls and SW 7012 Creamy for the trim and ceiling. I adore the two light fixtures from Brown – they complement one another perfectly! This dream kitchen serves as the hub of the house – perfect for cooking, entertaining, homework and family gatherings! 

The Calcutta White marble on the counters are also used for the cutting boards by the sink. “With the natural properties of white marble staining and scratching, it’s great to have additional prep surfaces” Sarah said. The lovely custom drapery treatment adds so much personality.  Loving the furniture finish look that Segreto had handcrafted in their previous kitchen, the homeowners wanted me to come up with a cabinet finish to blend with these new selections.

This shot of the butler’s pantry really shows the cabinet finish we did! This glaze technique brings in an antiqued character to the new cabinets and defines the lines of the doors so that the cabinetry becomes an extension of the living area! Sarah heightened interest by changing the pattern of the tiles from that of the kitchen, differentiating the two rooms.

The breakfast area is so charming! I love the chairs from Pearson Furniture Company that lend a bit of that French Country feel. This one-of-a-kind zinc top table with a white-washed trestle base from Vieux Interiors is fab! Lucas/Eilers always does such a beautiful job incorporating classic forms into their imaginative and forward-thinking designs.

The den with its relaxed, casual style is absolutely beautiful. I love the patina on these amazing antique doors from Chateau Domingue – a brilliant way to hide the TV! The homeowner found these beautiful pillows at Boxwood Interiors – they perfectly draw out the tones from the Oushak rug from Carol Piper Rugs. Sarah’s favorite thing in the room is the coffee table she found at Brendan Bass, a Dallas antique store… I have to agree! I’ve always been impressed by the way Lucas/Eilers creates dynamic spaces that revolve around their clients’ lifestyles.

This room was photographed at two different times!  Can you spy the differences?  I can just imagine curling up and reading a book or watching a movie with the fam!

These built-ins were constructed during the remodel and glazed like the kitchen. They’re beautifully accessorized with old books and antique white pottery from Barrevald International! The drapes are operable Roman shades in a Lee Jofa fabric with a Duralee flat tape trim. Wonderful!!

This powder room mixes old world with a bit of shimmer!! Stenciling with a thinned layer of metallic paint over plaster gave the walls a worn look that’s subtly glamorous. The French Louis Philippe silver gilt mirror and pair of Italian sconces both from Joyce Horn Antiques are a perfect balance to the Lagos Azul limestone counters and sink from Hollywood Builders Hardware – just lovely!

The upstairs landing provides a perfect place for a reading nook! Thinking out of the box for the cabinetry, the glass front doors were finished differently than their perimeters. It makes such and interesting display for all of their kids trophy’s!!

The upstairs master was also a big transformation!

Changing the position of the windows, the bed was able to be places on the opposite side of the room, creating such a lovely focal point when you walk in, and a more functional sitting area. Segreto’s artist Debbie Mosley painted the wonderful landscape for the room!

This home was completed 6 years ago and still remains current today!!  Thank you, Sarah, Jim Bob and the sweet homeowners for letting me showcase this incredible renovation… I always have such a fun time working with you and the rest of the Lucas/Eilers team! Till next week! xo, Leslie